Crane Collapse in Mumbai Injures Eight Residents
Crane Incident in Indira Nagar
Photo: @ians_india/X
Mumbai, Aug 21: In a distressing incident early Friday morning, a crane collapsed onto homes in the Indira Nagar locality of Mumbai, resulting in injuries to at least eight individuals.
The mishap occurred around 3:04 a.m. at Buntara Bhavan, situated near an MHADA structure behind Galaxy Apartment in Kurla (East).
Local residents reported that demolition activities were in progress on an old building in Qureshi Nagar. A Poclain machine was being hoisted to the building's top when the crane lost its balance and crashed down with a loud noise.
A significant portion of the crane fell onto two adjacent houses, causing panic among the residents. Additionally, a parked car and an auto-rickshaw sustained damage due to the incident.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that the crane fell into a slum area. Emergency services, including the Mumbai Fire Brigade, police, and ambulance teams, were promptly dispatched for rescue and relief efforts.
According to a Junior Engineer from L Ward present at the scene, MHADA was set to initiate an eviction and demolition process at the site. The accident transpired while positioning the crane with the aid of a Poclain machine.
Six of the injured were taken to Sion Hospital, while two others were transported to Bhabha Hospital in Kurla. The BMC reported that all six individuals at Sion Hospital were in stable condition, as were the two at Bhabha Hospital.
The identities of the injured individuals are still being confirmed, and authorities are working to determine if anyone else is trapped at the site.
Additionally, part of the fallen crane made contact with overhead electric wires, disrupting train services and raising further concerns in the vicinity.
Emergency teams, including the police and Disaster Management units, quickly arrived at the scene following reports of the accident. Rescue operations commenced with the help of local residents, focusing on removing the crane and securing the area.
This incident has sparked concerns regarding the safety protocols observed during the demolition work. Investigations are underway to ascertain whether the crane's collapse was due to technical failure, overloading, or negligence. Authorities are also reviewing compliance with safety regulations.
Sadiq Qureshi, whose sister and brother-in-law were injured, shared, "A crane fell on my sister and brother-in-law's house within the MMRDA area. The crane toppled towards the back of their home, damaging the adjacent property as well. They are in critical condition at Bhabha Hospital in Kurla West. When I arrived, my brother-in-law had severe injuries, particularly around his eyes, and was in a dire state."
Another local resident, Shafiq Qureshi, expressed frustration, stating, "There was a lack of safety precautions. Similar incidents have occurred before; just a month ago, a wall collapsed, resulting in a fatality. There are no safety measures in place, and the contractors ignore our concerns."
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.